Samsung Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A54: 2023 Mid-Range Phones Compared
The Galaxy A34 and A54 are Samsung mid-range phones for 2023. Both were released, like clockwork, in March 2023 and carry the responsibility of replacing the best-selling models released roughly a year before. Samsung chose to adopt a similar design in both models, while considerably differentiating the A54 and A34 on the specs side, as you can read all about in this article.
We at nextpit had the opportunity to test both models, and we start by sharing the most important technical details in the table below, with links to each review and Amazon deals:
| Samsung's 2023 Galaxy A range | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | ||
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| MSRP | n/a in the US | $450 |
| Display | 6.6", Super AMOLED | 6.4", Super AMOLED |
| FHD+ | ||
| 120 Hz refresh rate | ||
| SoC | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| Working memory | 6 / 8 GB RAM | |
| Memory | 128 / 256 GB | |
| Expandable memory? | Yes, microSD up to 1 TB | |
| OS | One UI 5.1 based on Android 13 Four OS upgrades Five years of security updates |
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| Camera | Main: 48 MP, f/1.8, OIS Ultrawide: 8 MP, f/2.2 Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4 |
Main: 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2 Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Selfie camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 32 MP, f/2.2 |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh Wired charging at 25 W |
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| Connectivity | 5G / LTE / Wi-Fi 5 / Wi-Fi Direct / Bluetooth 5.3 / NFC | 5G / LTE / Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi Direct / Bluetooth 5.3 / NFC |
| Dual-SIM | ✔️ SIM1 + hybrid (SIM2 or microSD) | ✔️ SIM1 + eSIM or hybrid (SIM2 or microSD) |
| IP certification | IP67 | |
| Colors | Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, Awesome Silver | Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, Awesome White |
| Dimensions and weight | 6.4 x 3.1 x 0.3 in | 0.43 lb 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm, approx. 199 g |
6.2 x 3 x 0.3 in | 0.44 lb 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm, approx. 202 g |
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Besides the similar look, both the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A54 share many technical details with each other but differ in a number of different points that we will cover in the next sections:
Display and design
Samsung broke a tradition in 2023 that dates back to the earliest Galaxy A models: The Galaxy A34 is bigger than the Galaxy A54, when in the past the "A3" model was the smallest one, while the "A5" had an intermediate size between the former and the "A7". Without a "Galaxy A74", the A34 model is the largest one, with a 6.6'' diagonal screen while the A54 has a 6.4'' display.
Both A34 and A54 use an AMOLED panel, with a fast and smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, which is an upgrade for the cheaper model, whose A33 predecessor had a 90 Hz screen. In both cases, the display is surrounded by relatively thick bezels. To differentiate between them look for the selfie camera, housed in a punch-hole on the A54 and on a teardrop notch on the A34.
For 2023, Samsung took the curious decision of giving the Galaxy A phones the very same design used on the flagship Galaxy S23 family. On the back of both A34 and A54, you will find a triple camera setup with each lens on its own island and the finish will vary according to different markets and carrier agreements, but in general, the A54 is offered in more sober colors. Lastly, both are IP67 certified for water and dust resistance.
Performance and connectivity
One other department where Samsung adopted a different strategy in 2023 was the processor one. While the Galaxy A54 kept the tradition of using Samsung's own Exynos 1380 from its LSI division, the A34 is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip. Despite the differences, both are mid-range level chips with similar characteristics.
| CPU specs and performance results | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model |
Samsung Galaxy A34
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Samsung Galaxy A54
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| SoC | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| CPU cores | 2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.6 GHz 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz |
4x Cortex-A78 @ 2.4 GHz 4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz |
| GPU | 4x Mali-G68 | 5x Mali-G68 |
| 3DMark Wild Life | 2300 | 2847 |
| 3D Mark Wild Life stress test |
Worst loop: 2265 Best loop: 2279 |
Worst loop: 2804 Best loop: 2840 |
| Geekbench 6 | Single: 1035 Multi: 2505 |
Single: 1022 Multi: 2889 |
Unless you will be gaming for long sessions, you can expect similar performance in daily use. Although the MediaTek chip has fewer performance cores than the Exynos rival, the Dimensity 1080 clocks then slightly higher, which explains its better single-threaded result on Geekbench, which the Exynos 1380 wins in the multi-threaded test.
Gamers will find better results on the Galaxy A54, thanks in part to an extra GPU core on the Exynos 1380 when compared to the Dimensity 1080. In practice, however, both phones are more than capable of playing mainstream games, such as Minecraft, Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, etc.
In other performance specifications, both models can be equipped with either 6 or 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of storage space. The available options vary depending on the market, with the A34 not officially sold in the US. On the connectivity side, both support Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for contactless payments, 5G, and Wi-Fi—6/ax on the A54 and, curiously, 5/ac on the A34, despite the Dimensity chip supporting the latest standard.
Cameras
One thing that you might want to rejoice in: There is no longer a 2 MP macro camera! Rather, both devices have a 5 MP macro sensor. However, the main camera is more exciting. Samsung offers a 50 MP shooter on the A54, while it has a 48 MP main shooter on the A34. Both main cameras are capable of optical stabilization when snapping photos. The A54 also has a slight lead in the ultrawide angle department (12 MP vs. 8 MP). Finally, the selfie cam of the A34 stands at 12 MP, while Samsung has given the selfie cam of the A54 a 32 MP sensor.
Despite the (VERY) different weather conditions when reviewing the phones due to logistical issues, the Galaxy A54 justified its higher price tag with better image quality, both in daylight and in low-light situations. Additionally, the A34 seemed like it was saturating photos from the main camera a little bit more than Samsung is famous for, while its ultra-wide camera offered more muted colors.
Software
There is nothing new to report from the software department. Why should there be? You still get up to four major Android updates as well as five years of security updates. However, I wonder if the company also talked about "up to" four or five upgrades last year. All fun is shipped with One UI 5.1, which is based on Android 13.
Battery and Quick-Charging
In terms of battery life, there is nothing new to report: Samsung continues to install 5,000 mAh batteries in its mid-range handsets and doesn't include a charger in the box. Charging happens at up to a cozy 25 W with compatible adapters.
On the PC Mark battery test, both Galaxy phones returned almost equivalent results, with the A54 lasting 12h31 on the benchmark while the A34 reached 11h53, we think it could be due to the smaller display on the more expensive model. In practice, expect two-days of battery life with moderate use.
Price and availability
Samsung has increased the price a bit compared to last year's devices. The Galaxy A34 is available from €389 (around $420). The Galaxy A54 is available for €489 (around $525). However, Samsung's mid-range handsets are already among the more expensive ones in a very competitive market segment, which does not make it easier for the company to shift units.
Both devices are available in up to four configurations, market depending. Here are the variants available since launch:
| Model | RAM | Memory | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A34 5G | 6 GB | 128 GB | €389 / n/a |
| Galaxy A34 5G | 8 GB | 256 GB | €459 / n/a |
| Galaxy A54 5G | 6 GB | 128 GB | €489 / $ 449 |
| Galaxy A54 5G | 8 GB | 256 GB | €539 / n/a |
Currently, US pricing is available only for the base A54 model with 6/128 GB at $449.99, similar to the A53's MSRP. Months after the phones' release, Samsung gave us no hint of launching the A34 in the US.
Conclusion
For a market segment that rarely shakes the status quo, Samsung actually tried to update its 2023 models a little bit more than usual. The Galaxy A mid-rangers even look like their flagship siblings. Performance is better than ever, the cameras were improved, and the brand's software support is the best one outside Apple's walled garden.
However, these upgrades came in the middle of changing market conditions in the intermediate market. While Chinese brands are having a tough time in Europe, it has never been a better time in years to buy a mid-range phone, with good options from Google, Xiaomi, Nothing, and heck, even Motorola.
Whether you are getting a phone upgrade with a carrier discount, or buying an unlocked phone during Prime Day, it is worth checking for last-minute deals, which can take the Samsung phones' prices significantly lower. However, as always, the same applies to the competition. To help decide, we suggest taking a look at our other comparisons:
What do you value the most when shopping for a mid-range phone? Are you loyal to brands or buy according to set criteria? Share your tips and opinions in the comments below!
